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Giraffes enjoy Valentine’s Day enrichment
“Led by queen bee Ellish, the single ladies used their dextrous elongated tongues to tug the pretty petals off the heart-shaped wreath in a matter of moments."
Zoo keepers provide heart-shaped wreath of tasty flowers 

Giraffes at ZSL London Zoo are celebrating Valentine’s Day early with a special heart-shaped treat, provided by zoo keepers.

The trio of female giraffes - Ellish, Margaret and Mollie - tucked into a wreath made of juicy flowers, to mark the annual day of romance.

ZSL giraffe keeper Louise Jackobson said: “Like all girls, our giraffes love to receive a bunch of flowers, especially on Valentine’s Day – although their tasty blooms didn’t last very long!
 
“Led by queen bee Ellish, the single ladies used their dextrous elongated tongues to tug the pretty petals off the heart-shaped wreath in a matter of moments – just like when they tug vegetation and flowers off the very tops of trees to eat.”

The zoo offers lovebirds the chance to meet and feed the giraffes as part of a VIP experience package for two this Valentine’s Day. For more information see: zsl.org/meet-the-animals/zsl-london-zoo

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.